Police urge public safety and responsibility on our rail network - Rail Safety Week Monday, 12 August 2013 NSW Police are urging motorists and commuters to be aware of their safety and responsibilities at level crossings and around train stations during Rail Safety Week. Yearly, there are about 180 fatalities as a result of people walking on train tracks or in rail corridors and taking risks at level crossings. Rail Safety Week , which starts today (Monday 12 August 2013), will see officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command as well as the Police Transport Command out patrolling for drivers taking risks at level crossings and those trespassing or putting themselves in danger in and around trains. In the past year, police took action against 306 motorists for level crossing offences which increased 9% from 2011-2012. A motorist entering a level crossing contrary to lights/bells can receive a $405 fine and lose three demerit points, while a driver who enters a level crossing when the road beyond is blocked can be fined another $405 and three demerit points. Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s, Superintendent Bob Ryan, said drivers need to be aware of their safety and responsibilities at level crossings. “Motorists who queue across level crossings or who fail to stop when signalled to are putting themselves at risk of serious injury as well as breaking the law. “Drivers need to be aware that a red light at a level crossing is the same as a red light on our roads and that they have to stop. “The difference between waiting for a train to pass and thinking you can beat it may mean the loss of your life,” Superintendent Ryan said. Meanwhile in the same year, police recorded 80 incidents of railway trespass while officers dealt with 52 people by way of court attendance notices, infringements and cautions. Police Transport Command’s, Superintendent Darren Bennett, said those trespassing on train tracks or in rail corridors place themselves at great risk of serious injury or even death. “Individuals who enter railway premises illegally are at risk of being hit by a train and losing their life, and it is hard to believe that some people are willing to take the chance. “The average person who thinks it is quicker to take a short cut over train tracks, or those graffiting in and around train stations, don’t know when a train could approach. “They are not only putting themselves at risk but the impact of a tragedy can be felt by train drivers and passengers for years to come. “We also want individuals to know that there are help points at train stations where they can seek assistance in an emergency. “This week will highlight our message for individuals not to take unnecessary risks and put themselves and others in danger on our railways,” Superintendent Bennett said.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 03:53:14 +0000
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